Government to Launch ‘Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ on October 9 to Promote Healthier Campuses

New Delhi | October 8, 2025 The Government of India is set to launch the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 (TFYC 3.0) on October 9, reaffirming its mission to create a tobacco-free learning environment and safeguard the health of students across the nation. The campaign is a joint effort by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, representing a unified step towards a healthier, tobacco-free generation. It aims to tackle one of India’s major public health challenges—tobacco use, which claims more than 13 lakh lives every year. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-2019), around 8.4% of Indian students aged between 13 and 15 years currently use tobacco products, with many starting as early as 10 years old. Recognising this alarming trend, the government is focusing on strong preventive actions, awareness drives, and strict enforcement to protect young people from addiction and related health issues. The 60-day nationwide campaign will focus on educating and empowering youth to avoid tobacco use, offering support to those who wish to quit, and fostering a culture of wellness in schools and higher education institutions. States and Union Territories have been instructed to strengthen the implementation of the Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) and actively involve students in awareness activities. As part of the initiative, schools and colleges will conduct enforcement drives to ensure their campuses remain tobacco-free. Training workshops will be organised for principals, NSS and NCC volunteers, and teachers to help spread the campaign’s message effectively. Counselling sessions will also be provided for students who wish to quit tobacco. Community campaigns will emphasize the importance of maintaining tobacco-free zones within 100 yards of educational institutions. In addition, competitions and interactive programmes will encourage innovative awareness activities, while compliant institutions will receive recognition for maintaining tobacco-free environments. Educational videos, quizzes, and online challenges—such as the World No Tobacco Day Quiz and the School Challenge: Towards a Tobacco-Free Generation on MyGov.in—will further boost student engagement. The campaign is closely tied to the government’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, which envisions a strong and healthy young generation driving India’s growth as a developed nation. By promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle, TFYC 3.0 seeks to build not only academically bright but also physically and mentally fit youth who can contribute to the country’s progress and prosperity. Through this initiative, the government aims to inspire a lasting change—one that replaces harmful habits with health-conscious choices and helps shape a future where every student grows in a safe, supportive, and tobacco-free environment. India Gears Up for Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 The Government of India is launching Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 on October 9 to protect students from the harmful effects of tobacco. The 60-day nationwide campaign aims to create awareness among youth, promote healthy habits, and make schools and colleges tobacco-free zones. The initiative is jointly led by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. With workshops, counselling sessions, and awareness drives, the campaign encourages young people to stay tobacco-free and lead a healthier lifestyle, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and a strong, smoke-free generation.